May 1997

POTENTIAL CAUSES OF GEARBOX NOISE

Manufacturing plants and other work environments can be noisy. According to industry
publications, the noise level one is subjected to standing only ten feet from a standard double-
reduction speed reducer equates to about 90 decibels in acoustical terms. This sound, combined
with sounds from other equipment such as pumps, motors, conveyers, compressors, and fans,
can easily put certain quarters of a plant into the 140 decibel level . . . equal to that of a jet
during take-off?

While a certain amount of noise is associated with gear drive units, excessive noise can be signs
of potential problems. Take a speed reducer, for example. As a reducer turns, its components ...
gears, bearings, shafts, cooling devices and lubrication, even its housing ... begin to vibrate.
This structural vibration causes pressure pulsations in the surrounding air that a human ear
detects as sound. Let any one, or more likely, a combination of those components get out of
synch and the results are generally excessively noisy vibrations.

The vibration generated by gear mesh action creates the impetus for the most noise within a
gearbox. Noise level and frequency are effected by:

Type of gear teeth.

Gear tooth geometry.
Finished gear tooth surface
Lubrication.

Factors such as transmission load and motor speed effect noise levels as well. Often, noise
controlling factors can't be altered due to the machines performance requirement. In some cases,
however, simply changing from a spur type gearing to a helical gearing can solve the problems
with noise and vibration as this design offers the best maximum-to-minimum contact length
ratio. However, one should always consult with their gear drive manufacturer to determine
whether or not this solution is appropriate.

The quality of the gear manufacturing and finishing techniques also help reduce gearbox noise
level. A smooth finished surface is desirable as normally, the finer the finish, the lower the

LUBE

TECHNI-gram



FROM:

LEWIS FOX
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY













































. . . to keep it running
noise level. One should also be aware if the gears in machinery are hardened before cutting and
finished after heat treatment. This
process reduces errors and inconsistencies which can cause noise. Again, gear drive manufacturers
can recommend the best finishing method for particular applications.

The housing of gearboxes should also be looked at as a means for controlling gearbox noise. The
housing itself is not the source of the noise since it must be excited to vibration by rotating
elements. However, using stiffened or ribbed housings may help combat resonant frequencies that
contribute to objectionable noise levels.

What not to do

In an effort to quiet noisy gearboxes, the temptation arises to put in a thicker gear lubricant. Noise
developed by friction forces not only varies with the roughness of the gear surface but also with the
thickness of the lubricant film. While higher viscosity oils and greases can cut down on noise, they
may not be well suited for the conventional gear unit and can create greater problems. Always
consult the gear manufacturer's owners manual for the proper gearbox lubricant recommendation.
Better to reduce noise levels using other methods than to tamper with thicker, less effective
lubricants. Using a higher quality/High Viscosity Index (HVI) gear lubricant such as SWEPCO's
200 Series Gear Lubricants can assist in gearbox noise reduction through its superior thermal
stability and ability to maintain proper viscosity thickness and film strength between gear teeth.

Troubleshooting noisy drives
One needs to be able to identify possible system conditions that cause noise within gear drives.
Listed below are possible causes of excessive noise and suggestions for remedies:

Shaft misalignment. Both input and output shaft misalignment can cause noise within a speed
reducer. Misalignment may be present on start-ups or on drives which have operated for a long
time.

Coupling wear. Usually the result of shaft misalignment or improper lubrication.

Cascading load by the application. If driven equipment operates with less than constant velocity,
gear mesh oscillation occurs resulting in an erratic noise. To correct, disconnect the output coupling
and operate the drive. Listen if the noise goes away or changes its pattern. Typically, this problem
occurs on new start-ups or with system upgrades.

Bumps on pinion or gear. May occur at installation or after repair. If the noise seems random,
inspect gear teeth for tiny, shiny sports.

Flexing foundation. A solid, flat foundation is needed to support the reducer and its transmitted
torque. Check for flexing at start-up or after a system upgrade.

Loose foundation bolts. Inspect bolts for proper tightness. Loose bolts allow the reducer to move
or deflect about the foundation and result in noise.

Excessive tooth wear. Listen for a rumbling noise. Compare both sides of the tooth profile. If there
is a significant difference in the shapes, contact the manufacturer.

Failed bearing. First, measure axial float. If the float is within specifications, visually inspect for
surface distress. Catching roller bearing damage early minimizes related damage.

Torsional problem. Every system has a critical range of operation either below or above normal
operation speed. A torsional problem produces an erratic noise and may show up at a new start-up
or after system upgrade.

Today, there is a variety of good monitoring equipment that can measure noise and vibration levels.
It's designed to provide hard copies or vibration signatures that establish a history or baseline for a
customers drives. Once again, when other checks prove negative, the customer should not hesitate
to contact their manufacturer for assistance.